Contradiction with John 9:31
Suggests that God does hear the prayers of those who worship Him and do His will.
John 9:31: Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Contradiction with Proverbs 28:9
Indicates that turning away from hearing the law makes one's prayers an abomination, similar in tone but places emphasis on law observance.
Proverbs 28:9: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:14-15
States that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, contrasting with the notion of prayers being ignored.
1 John 5:14-15: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [in: or, concerning]
Contradiction with Psalm 34:15
Emphasizes that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.
Psalm 34:15: The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.
Contradiction with James 5:16
Highlights the effectiveness of a righteous person's prayer, contrasting with the imagery of unanswered prayers.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Paradox #1
Isaiah 1:15 highlights that God may refuse to listen to prayers if the people praying are acting unjustly or sinfully. This can seem inconsistent with verses that describe God as always listening to the prayers of His people. It raises questions on whether God's hearing is conditional on people's behavior.
Paradox #2
Isaiah 1:15 talks about not listening to those who spread harm despite their prayers. The potential contradiction is that it suggests a limit to forgiveness and compassion, contrasting with other teachings in the Bible that focus on unconditional love and forgiveness.